ISKANDAR PUTERI: Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor (KPRJ) is hoping to capitalise on sports tourism to further expand its portfolio and elevate the state's status as a global sports destination.
KPRJ, an established key player in construction, is one of the state government's investment arms. It is also a major stakeholder in the Iskandar Malaysia development.
Its chief executive officer, Datuk Lukman Abu Bakar, said KPRJ built the infrastructure for the 2020 Malaysian Games (Sukma), which was supposed to have been hosted by Johor. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the event was cancelled.
"We have the existing infrastructure and we should capitalise on it," he told a press conference at the launch of the Johor Golf Expo 2024 (JGE2024) here, today.
KPRJ also co-hosted the L'Etape Malaysia on June 4. The amateur cycling event gave cyclists the opportunity to 'experience' the Tour de France, he said.
The L'Etape series is organised in more than 20 countries, including France, China, Thailand, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, and recently, Malaysia – namely, Johor.
It also provided a platform to introduce Johor to foreigners, where they could experience the state's iconic culture, places of interest, and cuisine, Lukman said.
"We are not resting on our laurels, and now, we have collaborated with Champions Golf to co-host JGE2024. Champions Golf is Senibong Golf Club's appointed manager.
"KPRJ is a renowned construction company known by many, but we also have a sports arm – KPRJ Sports Sdn Bhd – to leverage on sporting events."
"There are about 25 golf courses in Johor, and we hope to tap into the Singapore golf market to further expand our portfolio," he added.
Regarding JGE2024, Lukman said the expo, scheduled for Oct 18, aims to attract golf enthusiasts, industry professionals, and tourists, while positioning Johor as a top choice for golf tourism.
The expo will feature over 70 exhibitors showcasing innovations in golf, sports, and leisure products. It will also offer a diverse range of activities, such as fishing, walking, cycling, footgolf, and a music festival, designed to appeal to both domestic and international visitors.
Meanwhile, the professional and amateur tournaments will see over 600 amateur golfers competing alongside professionals. A Turf and Club Management Seminar, endorsed by the Malaysian Golf Association, will also be organised.
Lukman said the strategic collaboration aimed to make golf an inclusive and accessible sport, while boosting Johor's tourism and economy.